The forest was quiet, sunlight barely breaking through the dense canopy.
Kael and Ash walked side by side, dragging the massive Ironclaw Bear’s body back toward the academy. Leaves crunched under their feet, and birds scattered nervously at the sound of their approach.
Ash trotted lightly beside him, tail flicking lazily.
“Not bad for our first real mission,” the fox said, excitement in his voice.
“I can already feel myself getting smarter after the last fight.”
Kael glanced at Ash and smirked faintly.
“You’re right. But we can be even stronger.”
Level Up
As they moved through the forest, the system suddenly appeared in Kael’s vision:
Level Up – Kael: Level 2
Level Up – Ash: Level 2
Kael pulled up the stat allocation menu.
Ash’s stats from Level 1 were:
Ash – Level 1 Stats:
- Strength – 0
- Speed – 0
- Magic – 0
- Intelligence – 4
- Vision – 0
The Intelligence points had allowed Ash to speak with Kael and react more strategically during fights.
Now, after Level 2, Kael had four new points for Ash.
Allocating Ash’s Stats
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Kael decided to strengthen Ash’s illusions.
He allocated all four of Ash’s Level 2 points into Magic.
Immediately, the system confirmed:
Ash’s Magic increased.
Illusions are now durable and can take 3 hits before disappearing.
Ash blinked in surprise.
“…Wait, my illusions can actually survive attacks now?”
Kael nodded.
“Yes. They’ll hold longer and give us more options during fights.”
Ash’s tail flicked happily.
“…I like this a lot.”
Allocating Kael’s Stats
Kael turned to his own Level 2 points. Four points sat waiting to be allocated.
He decided to invest in himself and experiment with Magic.
He allocated all four points into Magic.
Warm energy coursed through him. His senses sharpened, and he felt a faint magical aura forming around him.
A notification appeared in front of his eyes:
Kael – Magic increased.
New Feature Unlocked: You may tame one additional beast at any time.
Kael’s silver eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
“So I can tame another beast…” he murmured.
“But not yet. Not until we’re ready.”
Ash flicked his tail.
“You’re holding out on me?”
Kael smirked.
“Patience.”
“…Fine. But when we do, it better be interesting.”
Through the Forest
Carrying the bear’s massive body wasn’t easy, but the forest was mostly clear after their previous encounter. Ash ran ahead occasionally, scouting and creating illusions to distract any potential predators or obstacles.
The fox’s illusions now withstood multiple hits, making him far more effective at controlling the path. Kael tested one by sending a small illusion forward. A falling branch slammed into it, and the image shimmered but remained intact for several seconds before vanishing.
“Perfect,” Kael said aloud.
“This will make future fights much easier.”
Ash’s eyes glimmered with pride.
“…I feel like I’m actually useful now.”
Kael chuckled faintly.
“You’ve always been useful. You just didn’t know it yet.”
They moved in silence for a while, broken only by Ash’s occasional commentary on the forest. Sunlight danced across the leaves above, creating shifting patterns on the ground. The journey back to the academy, though physically taxing, gave them time to adjust to their new abilities and plan strategies for future encounters.
Arrival at the Academy
The spires of the Royal Academy appeared through the trees. Kael’s grip on the bear tightened slightly, but he didn’t hesitate.
Ash darted ahead, checking the path for guards or obstacles.
Students on patrol stopped and stared as Kael approached with the massive body in tow. Whispers spread through the courtyard.
“That’s the prince with the fox!”
“He actually killed it… by himself?”
Kael ignored the stares. The Academy staff quickly stepped forward to receive proof of the mission.
Kael placed the bear’s claw and a tuft of fur on the counter. The instructor raised an eyebrow.
“An F-Rank Ironclaw Bear… done alone?”
Kael nodded calmly.
“Yes.”
The instructor stamped the report and handed Kael a small pouch.
“Five golden coins,” the instructor said.
“And you’ve earned experience as well. Congratulations.”
Kael weighed the pouch briefly before slipping it into his bag.
Ash padded along beside him, tail flicking.
“…Not bad for a day’s work,” the fox said.
“I like this mission system.”
Kael smirked.
“Yeah. And now we know exactly how these stat points work. You got stronger, I got stronger, and the system even gave me the option to tame another beast. We’re getting ahead fast.”
Ash’s ears perked up.
“…Another beast? That sounds fun.”
Kael chuckled.
“Later. Patience.”
They stood in the courtyard for a moment, taking in the academy and the bustling students around them. For the first time, Kael felt a flicker of excitement about this place—not for the crowds or the prestige, but for the possibilities it held.
“Level two,” Kael whispered quietly.
“And we’re just getting started.”
The forest behind them rustled softly as though acknowledging their growth. And somewhere in the distance, new challenges waited, ready to test both Kael’s Magic and Ash’s enhanced illusions.